At the Passover Seder, it is traditional to sing a song entitled Dayeinu. It means “It is enough!” We sing it because we are trying to remember our ancestors who left Egypt after the Passover, who were not thankful despite the many actions of God for their (and our) benefit. The song verses actually say, “It is enough that the Lord …” It is actually a song that teaches us not to complain about each other or against God.
In my earliest days of spiritual instruction there was one particular lesson taught by Yeshua that stood out for me. My earliest recollections of attending Sunday School focused on this lesson. It was the parable of the man who built his house on the rock versus the man who built his house on sand. I don’t know why this lesson stuck with me, but it stood out because the imagery was clear and understandable. I don’t think I am unique in remembering this parable. Virtually everyone in the faith knows this parable and can recite the basics of the story. However, even with that, very few of us know that this parable is the conclusion of the most extensive teaching given by Yeshua on the Mount of Beatitudes, to a great multitude of people. He summed up this extensive teaching with this simple parable. Based on the teaching and the concluding parable, the multitude offered this perspective.
Does the New Covenant mean the end of Israel or mean that the Church represents a NEW fulfillment of the prophecies given to Israel? Jeremiah gave a prophecy he called the New Covenant revealing something wonderful that God had planned for the two houses of Israel, namely, the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. It is part of God’s plan to reunite and restore the separated northern and southern kingdoms of Israel. God would make another NEW covenant with all of Israel.
Virtually everyone in the Messianic Movement says that Replacement Theology is not correct, that it is a great teaching error of the historical church. Even Evangelical churches today deny Replacement Theology and go out of their way to prove they are “pro-Israel” in their support. For most, Replacement Theology is simply defined as “the church replacing Israel.” However, if you examine Replacement Theology a bit further, you will discover that it is much more extensive than just saying “the church has replaced Israel.” Replacement Theology is still very much with us all, including Messianic congregations. So, what exactly is Replacement Theology?
But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Yeshua had designated. And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. And Yeshua came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Is Torah for everyone? Or is it just for Jews? This is a major question facing many Messianic brethren today. It is the same question that was raised in the New Testament. It has to do with those who are physical Jews, biologically born of Israel, versus those who are physically Gentile, biologically born of the nations. Both groups are present in Messianic congregations and the vast majority are non-Jewish. I say non-Jewish because according to the Bible there are two groups that constitute physical Israel: the House of Judah (Jews) and the House of Israel (Ephraimites / Israelites). However, the question we are addressing is not about the two houses; rather, I am referring to the question in Acts 15 concerning the Law of Moses and Gentiles. Clearly, the Torah was given to Israel (all of the tribes) via Moses. There is no question about that. But Gentiles who come to faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who believe and trust in the Messiah’s redemption, which commandments are they to follow? Is the Torah for everyone of faith or is it just for Israel?
Most of you are familiar with the story of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God used these three fathers to establish a relationship with all of mankind following the great flood of Noah. Jacob fathered many sons through two wives and two handmaids. All of this came about as a result of working twenty years for his uncle Laban, the brother of Rebekah.
